Cameras can now communicate!

Cameras are now everywhere from streets, to museums and shops. Now, cameras will not just be watching us but maybe able to communicate with us as well! Computer science researchers from Purdue University have created a technology called PHADE (Private Human Addressing) which allows surveillance cameras to ‘talk’ to public through individual smartphones.

It may sound something that would catastrophically intervene with someone’s privacy, but it is safer than it seems. It does not transmit any personal data, as it uses motion patterns as the address code for communication. The technology is able to identify the individual motion pattern of pedestrian within a certain range. When the user’s phone identifies that the motion address is matching, the message will be sent. Smartphones can decide whether or not to accept the message.

“Our system serves as a bridge to connect surveillance cameras and people”, He Wang, a co-creator of the technology and assistance professor of the University mentioned in a statement. It can be used by government agencies to improve public safety by warning users about any potential threat such as suspicious attacks or stalking.

To achieve the effect, researchers use a similar approach of directional audio experience found at theme parks or museums. Now if a camera inside a museum notices your interest in some painting or sculpture, a detailed description about the artwork would be sent to your phone right away. Sounds fascinating!

Such technologies are paving ways for an extremely interconnected world, although its benefits are highly critical. Whatever fruit it reaps, but cameras, with potential to communicate are now better observers!